WEST SENECA — The postgame interview complete, Jamestown boys basketball coach Ben Drake turned to head back to the bench, but before he could get there he was greeted by his players, who had water bottles at the ready.

Drake didn’t mind the celebratory shower.

For the record, the Red Raiders breezed past West Seneca West 87-51 in an Erie County Interscholastic Conference Division 1 game Monday night to raise their record to 14-2 overall and 11-0 in the division.

Of greater significance was the fact the victory was the 400th of Drake’s decorated career.

“Well, first of all, glory to God,” Drake said. “I feel very blessed to be at Jamestown High School for 24 years. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be. I’ve really enjoyed coaching high school basketball at Jamestown High School, and I’m very appreciative of my coaching staff.”

“It’s not very often you have guys on the same high school staff for this many years,” Drake added.

That group includes varsity assistant Marty Stockwell, junior varsity coach Billy Miley, volunteer assistant and former freshmen coach Tage Hall and current ninth-grade coach Luis Castro.

“It’s certainly a team effort,” Drake said.

On the court, it was a team effort last night, too.

“We played excellent … on both ends of the floor,” Drake said.

Trey Drake scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds on the night his dad raised his career record at his alma mater to 400-129 (.756); Jaral Farmer chipped in 15 points and nine boards: Sean Paige had 11 points; and Jaylen Butera and Darius Freeney added 9 points apiece. Drayce Garland, Greg Brumagin and Bishop Butts dished out five assists each. Jamestown led 50-23 at the half and cruised the rest of the way, leaving no suspense on whether Coach Drake’s milestone would be reached.

“I’ve been really fortunate to have some good players who have been dedicated to getting better year after year,” Drake said. “We’ve had some talented individuals. We just try hard to get the most out of them and be the best team we can be, year in, year out.”

Since taking over the Red Raiders’ program for the 1998-99 season, Drake, who has never finished below .500 in a season, has reached the Section VI semifinals 20 times, the finals 13 times and has claimed six sectional titles. In addition, his teams have won two Far West Regional crowns and made two trips to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Final Four where they advanced to the championship game each time.

“It’s gone by so fast,” Drake said. “I can’t believe it’s year 24. When I was in college (at SUNY Brockport), I wanted to coach college basketball and I went back as a graduate assistant. When the position in Jamestown opened, I thought it was a great opportunity. I didn’t know what to expect, but at the same time I thought I would be here for a long time.

“The biggest thing is I’ve really enjoyed it. … From all the team camps, to summer league to all the in-season things, we’ve built a lot of great memories and it’s also kind of a family affair. Trey has been on the bench for those milestones (when he was younger) passing out water, so it’s cool to have him on the team right now. All our kids have grown up in the gym.”

NOTES: Leading the way for West Seneca West (1-15, 0-11) were Jason Johnson and Gavin French with 10 points apiece. … The Red Raiders return to action Thursday when they entertain Williamsville North at McElrath Gymnasium.

JAMESTOWN (87)

Farmer 7 1 15, Paige 5 0 11, Brumagin 1 0 3, Freeney 4 1 9, Drake 10 0 21, Harley 2 0 5, Torres 0 0 0, Butts 1 0 2, Butera 4 1 9, Pryce 1 0 2, Garland 1 0 3, Viele 3 1 7. Totals 39 4 87.

WEST SENECA WEST (51)

Freeland 2 3 8, Merryweather 0 1 1, Johnson 3 2 10, McOwen 2 0 6, Vanderlip 4 1 9, Piwowarczyk 1 0 2, French 4 0 10, Whittaker 2 1 5 Totals 18 8 51.

3-point goals–Paige, Brumagin, Drake, Harley, Garland, Freeland, Johnson 2, McOwen 2, French 2.

Jamestown 26 24 24 13 — 87

West Seneca West 14 9 13 15 — 51

Jayvees: Jamestown won.